Rugeley Coffee Morning

Rugeley facilitates a weekly coffee morning run by peer mentors and volunteer recovery practitioners. Here you can meet others that feel similar to you, who want to make friends and improve their social and emotional life. For those that want more than a chat, we also host a range of other activities to enjoy with your new friends but it’s totally up to you if you want to get involved, the most important thing is turning up.
We have quizzes, bingo, as well as organising meals out. All games are just there as a bit of fun to help people who find socialising difficult because we know it can sometimes feel easier to socialise if you are ‘doing’ something. For others, the thought of playing a quiz and not knowing the answer can be anxiety provoking and we understand this, so there is no pressure to play. Then for those of you who feel low in mood and anxious the last thing you may want to do is socialise and have some fun, but this is all part of the new approach to mental health. It is being around people who feel the same who are all trying to find ways to reengage with the social world- even if it doesn’t feel like fun, you will feel better for it afterwards, the important thing is that you’ve come along and stayed for as long as you can. Don’t worry if you can only stay for 15 minutes, 30 minutes or an hour- you’re not expected to stay for the whole 2 hours- it’s about doing what’s right for you and as you start to feel more comfortable you will find you’ll naturally stay for longer- every small step is a step in the right direction. The most important thing is you turn up.
You don’t even have to talk. Just being in a room with other people can be a task in itself and so we want you to build confidence in social situations at your own pace. All the peers and volunteers know what it’s like to start the group as they once did it too and so they will do their upmost to make you feel comfortable.
We know it is scary making it through the door on the first session too, so if you want to come along but need a helping hand, ring the office and we can arrange for someone to come and meet you beforehand to talk you through it and to accompany you to the group.
So whether you struggle in social situations or would just like to meet new people and make new friends, then please join us, we’d love to meet you.